Chimp Haven is kicking off the fall season with its much-anticipated Chimpanzee Discovery Day on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, from 9 a.m. to noon, offering families the rare chance to visit the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary. The event, which only happens twice a year, promises a day packed with fall-themed fun and festivities for visitors and the sanctuary’s chimps.
Chimpanzee Discovery Day invites guests to explore the sanctuary and witness the lush, forested habitats where the chimpanzees, most of whom are retired from bio-medical research, now live and play. Animal sanctuaries, focused on providing animal care in a natural setting, are rarely open to the public.
Guests are encouraged to dress in their favorite costumes as they embark on a fall adventure full of seasonal treats and interactive activities. The day will feature “Chimp or Treat” bag-making, candy stations at educational stops, and tasty fall snacks like apple cider and beignets. Visitors are invited to bring the chimps favorite goodies including unopened jars of peanut butter, canned fruits (i.e. no sugar or syrup added), canned low sodium veggies, unsalted nuts and dried fruit, plain instant mashed potatoes, or new Squishmellows or blankets for enrichment.
“We’re excited to share the season’s magic with our guests and chimps! It’s the perfect time for families to enjoy a fun, fall-themed day while getting to know our incredible residents,” said Rana Smith, President and CEO of Chimp Haven.
Chimpanzee care experts will be on hand to share fascinating insights about the chimps’ individual personalities, specialized veterinary care, and the joys of chimp life at Chimp Haven. Guests will also have the chance to observe the chimps’ playful antics and participate in behind-the-scenes tours of the sanctuary, learning more about Chimp Haven’s mission to provide lifelong care in a natural, enriching environment.
“There’s nothing quite like fall at Chimp Haven—cooler weather, colorful leaves, and chimps enjoying pumpkin treats! It’s a perfect time for families to visit and share in the fun,” Smith added.
Chimpanzee Discovery Day is open to all ages. Tickets are available online only in advance at chimphaven.org/plan-your-visit/. Tickets are $20 for visitors aged 13 and older, $10 for ages 5-12, and children four and under are free but still need a ticket. Chimp Haven recommends arriving at 9 a.m. when the chimps are most active after a night’s rest!
Additional 2024 events:
Brunch in the Wild: Nov. 17, from 9 a.m. to noon, offers a one-of-a-kind experience featuring a delicious brunch, observation of a chimp painting, a private tour of the sanctuary, and more unique opportunities to view the chimps. This experience costs $300 per person and is available to ages seven or older. A spring 2024 brunch date is scheduled for May 17.
Private Tours: Private tours start at a minimum donation of $500 (tax-deductible) for up to six guests, or $1,000 for up to 12 participants. All participants must be seven or older. VIP tours are available during regular business hours and typically last two hours. The duration of the tour is held outdoors.
A virtual tour is also available for anyone unable to travel to the sanctuary. To take the virtual tour, visit chimphaven.org/visit/digital-tour/